Football position preview: Wideouts and TE's

For UCLA's group of talented wideouts and tight ends, the spotlight is now officially on.

That message was clear enough during the spring with each new day bringing further attention to the Bruins' talented, yet unproven receiving corps. First, it was Devin Lucien repeating to the media that he deserved a starting spot. Then, it was Shaq Evans barking at any UCLA cornerback , and new tight end Darius Bell explaining how he could be better than last year's touchdown extraordinaire Joseph Fauria.

Throw in a potential breakout threat in Devin Fuller and a talented Jordan Payton -- who was quietly impressive during the spring -- and the expectations for UCLA's receiving corps are undeniably high heading into this season.

And for UCLA's passing game to take a step forward -- just as its running game takes a step back with the graduation of Johnathan Franklin -- that endless chatter will need to translate to results on the field.

Last season, that was easier said than done, as many of UCLA's wideouts struggled with injuries. Fuller, Bell, and Lucien (37 catches combined in 2012) were especially affected -- all three missed serious time. Injuries like that -- given the Bruins' limited depth at the position -- could derail UCLA's passing game in a hurry this season.

Evans will have to do better than his three touchdowns in 2012. Whether it's him or another wideout, someone will have to contribute to replacing Fauria's 12 scores. Fuller, Lucien, and Bell will all be in store for a significant statistical boost, if they can stay healthy. And Payton, who has been somewhat overlooked given Lucien's comments early in the spring, could be the group's most productive player.

UCLA certainly won't be short on talent at wideout this season. But with much of that talent still unproven, there are just as many question marks heading into the season. And if the passing game stands a chance of making up for what looks like it'll be an average run game, then Brett Hundley and his receivers will need to find the answers.

KEY DEPARTURES

Jerry Johnson, wide receiver. Johnson was one of the Bruins' most consistent wideouts last season, especially with Fuller and Lucien dealing with injuries throughout their freshman campaigns. The senior wideout was never really a show-stopper, but he was a quality complementary threat in an offense that needs as many playmakers as possible. He'll be missed, especially with most of UCLA's depth unproven.

Joseph Fauria, tight end/Y. Hundley will no longer have his safety blanket in the red zone, as Fauria takes his talents and his 10 touchdowns from last season to the Detroit Lions. No one on UCLA's roster has the size to creat mismatches like Fauria did, and UCLA's replacement Y, Darius Bell, is under six feet tall. It remains to be seen how the Bruins' offense will replace Fauria's effectiveness near the goal line, but with how many options UCLA has in the passing game, I'm not so sure his absence will be felt that much in the aggregate.

KEY ADDITIONS

Thomas Duarte, tight end/Y. With Bell lacking in the size department, Duarte may get a shot at making an impact in the red zone, as he's got the ideal size to emerge as a threat near the end zone. He's definitely a raw talent, but at 6-3, 225 pounds, he's already got the size to compete from day one. Expect him to get some chances near to rack up touchdowns with Bell likely taking a back seat inside the 20.

Eldridge Massington, wide receiver. Massington was hurt for most of the spring and didn't take part in any contact drills, but even through some struggles, Massington showed flashes of what made him a high-level Pac-12 recruit prior to tearing his ACL. With the Bruins starting group of wideouts more or less set, Massington will be an important part of UCLA's depth at the unit. And if anyone were to go down with an injury -- which seems inevitable at some point -- Massington may be one of the first ones to get a shot, especially with sophomore Kenny Walker out for the season.

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